All Good Things…
Carson smiles. He's not one to step into such things lightly, but her eyes are so open, so honest, he was willing to take the chance. It was not as the Major described, perhaps because the two share a different kind of connection. But he could clearly hear the lass' voice in his head. She only had to touch him once for a brief moment then they simply sat facing each other. Carson asked her questions out loud and she answered them in a sort of hushed voice in his mind as if whispering into his ear. Her voice has a melodious quality that brings an instant smile to his face. All in all, it beat the hell out of cribbage.
The ability to hear one's thoughts is something Carson never expected to experience in his whole lifetime. He was a bit weary about being too vulnerable, with his own thoughts exposed as it were. And he was afraid some of his more scientific requests regarding her would frighten the lass. But Ashri assured him that it is quite rare for her to be able to read someone. She's as surprised by the connection to the Major as anyone.
Thank you.
"For what dear?"
Listening.
Carson pats her on the knee. "I'll tell you what, luv. It was my pleasure. And thank you for telling me how you healed them. It's a big help. And I'm so happy you're feeling better now." She nods. "Good. Now, do you have any questions for me?"
She seems eager to say something, but holds back for a moment. Then her hand drifts to her throat and she makes a motion upward and out of her mouth. Carson nods. "You wish to speak as we do?" She nods. Carson sighs. "I don't want to disappoint you, lass. But I'm not sure that is possible at this point. You're vocal chords did not form as they should have and over time, without use, what is there has atrophied." Ashri drops her eyes and nods her head a bit, obviously saddened. "Perhaps with some vocal therapy we could work on it."
This seems to encourage her a bit. She looks at her hands, turns the palms up then raises her eyes back to Carson, he can see the earnest flicker of hope in them. Could you…fix me?
Carson's eyes widen in shock. "Fix you? But you're perfect."
Her eyes drop to her hands again. She runs a finger over the 'normal' human left one and Carson understands. "You want to remove the Wraith part of you?" She nods, catching his gaze with those eager eyes. He can see tears slowly building. "But it's a part of you, Ashri. It makes you special."
Please.
A lump forms in Carson's throat as he feels sadness wash into him.
"We've come for the woman," Major Sheppard interrupts in a low voice, his hands on his hips and chest out reminding Carson of a Superman pose. Ford chuckles behind him, though it's Teyla's expression that makes Carson smirk.
Ashri quickly wipes her eyes before turning to the Major, her smile radiating through the room. Though Carson feels his heart break a little for her, it also beats faster at the sight of her smile. He's never seen that kind of affection before. Even from his mum, who loves him dearly, he knows. Major Sheppard must be overwhelmed whenever he sees her. Ashri looks to Carson and he nods. "Out you go. Thank you again, my dear." Carson feels something like a cool breeze pull away from his mind and the sadness leaves him immediately.
Poor girl. He sighs. She may accept who she is, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't prefer being able to hide in a crowd, be exactly like other people. Obviously, it's not just the planet Luminance that kept her alone all these years.
Carson gets up as the foursome is about to leave. "Actually, Major," he says. "Would it be possible for you to stay a moment? Those test results are in and Dr. Weir is on her way down."
Major Sheppard looks disappointed, but nods. He lifts Ashri's chin with two fingers. "Teyla and Lt. Ford can show you around a bit. I'll catch up in a few minutes. Okay?" He glances at Lt. Ford. "Try to keep out of crowds now that everyone's back in the city. And steer clear of Bates." The Lt. nods once.
Ashri looks from him to the other two. There's a bit of apprehension in her nod, but Teyla moves forward and offers her hand in friendship. "It is all right. We will not get too far from him." This seems to ease her a bit and the three head out, though Ashri and the Major hold eye contact until she is out of sight.
Major Sheppard rubs his hands together. "Let's make it snappy, then, huh?"
Carson leads the way into the infirmary where his laptop sits on a counter. "Well, then…"
Dr. Weir appears in the doorway. "Teyla and Lt. Ford look like they've made a new best friend. I've never seen them smile so much." She glances at the Major.
"Aye," Carson says. "She does seem to have a positive effect on people."
"You too, eh doctor?" Dr. Weir asks.
Carson shrugs as he opens up his laptop and turns it around to show them the results. "Major, you'll be happy to know you're just as healthy as you were pre-Luminance."
"I could have told you that. In fact, I did tell you that."
Carson nods flashing a smile. "However, you're brain scan does show a bit of a difference."
"Really?" Dr. Weir steps forward, an edge to her voice. "What kind of difference?"
"See here," he points at the computer screen and both Dr. Weir and Major Sheppard lean in for a look. "Hi levels of dopamine in the subcortical region. And there's activity in the right VTA and dorsal caudate," Carson grins at the Major.
He raises his brows. "Okaaay…?"
Carson continues. "At the same time—and this is where it gets a bit odd—there's also increased activity in the ventral pallidum portion of the basal ganglia." He smiles broadly, but the other two look at him as if he's just grown an extra head. "This is unqualified. These usually don't work in conjunction with each other."
Major Sheppard shakes his head, brows creasing. "And this is bad-"
Carson chuckles. "No, son…sorry I don't mean to alarm you. Basically, what I'm saying is. This is your brain on love. You're swimming in it."
"Oh." His voice rises a bit in joyful pitch followed by that familiar boyish smirk. "Well, I could have told you that."
"The first part is based in romantic love which can dissipate with time. But it's the second part that's fascinating. That activity has been noted only in couples who've been together for a long time. It's considered the attachment area. I've never heard of this happening before. Though it was a short time you spent on Luminance with Ashri, you're brain chemistry is recognizing it as years."
"How many years?" he asks.
"Oh, 'bout fifteen to twenty, I'd say. That's what the research on this kind of activity estimates."
"What? So, my brain has aged?"
"No, lad, not in the least. It's simply your—may I say—extraordinary connection with our new friend seems to defy the logic of space and time."
Dr. Weir raises a finger. "But he's okay."
"Oh, perfectly fine. And so is the lass. Turns out her scan came up with the same results." He winks at the Major.
Major Sheppard grins shyly. "Good to know."
"Yes," Dr. Weir sighs. "Fascinating, indeed." She looks at Carson. "Anything else…about Ashri?"
"Aye." He sets the laptop aside and crosses his arms. "She has the ATA gene, as Major Sheppard suspected, and a natural talent for using it if we go by the Major's first hand account. Now, from Dr. Jackson's SG-1 research and that of Dr. Fraiser of the SGC, we know the Ancients had the ability to heal through their hands. I believe that Ashri just might be genetically closer to the ancients than even her own parents, though don't quote me on that."
"How is that possible?" Dr. Weir asks.
Carson scratches his cheek. "It's a theory. Given her unique abilities, it's possible the Ancient genes were actually recessive instead of dominant and it took two parents strong in those recessive traits to pass them along."
"So a one in a million shot."
Carson smirks. "More like one in a billion, Major."
"However, since I can't distinguish the Luminaté traits from the Wraith without control samples, it's impossible to determine what exactly happened to make her different and to explain the physical change to her hand." He takes a breath. "Perhaps the interrupted feeding of the Wraith exposed her to a limited amount of the chemical they inject, which then mutated within the womb. But it's only a hypothesis. I'm still waiting for some more tests, but aside from slight sodium and hormonal differences, she's human…with a touch more."
Dr. Weir nods and Major Sheppard nudges her shoulder from behind. "Told you."
"And, how old is she?"
"That I cannot say. She lacks a concept of time. "Most likely due to her confinement in the temple. Given the Wraith DNA, it's possible she hibernates as they do, but she could not confirm that."
Major Sheppard makes a skeptical face. "She does sleep a lot when recuperating…but I didn't see anything like hibernating." He raises his brows. "She spent a lot of time in the pond, though. And it's not like regular water."
"How so, Major?" Carson asks.
"Seemed a bit…I don't know…heavier, thicker maybe. And it glows."
"It glows?" Dr. Weir says with Carson.
Major Sheppard shrugs. "…when she saved me. The water kind of…lit up a little. Like turning on a pool light, but murky." He wags a finger. "You know, now that I think about it. I'm not entirely certain it's a real pond…I mean it's real, but maybe the Ancients made it. Kind of like their version of an indoor-outdoor pool."
"Hmm," Carson wishes he could get a sample of that water. Maybe if McKay can find a way to convince Dr. Weir the virus won't come back, she'll consider permitting an expedition to the planet.
"So," Dr. Weir starts. "Anything specific on how she healed Teyla and Ford?"
"It's fascinating really. From the way she described it, I gather instead of automatically infusing either one with her 'life force' as you called it Major, she first…pulled the virus out of them."
"She drained them?" Dr. Weir asks. "Like a Wraith?"
"Not really. She couldn't explain exactly how she did it. Only that she made the virus come to her somehow. I believe she created an electrical field that attracted the virus into her. Afterward, she gave them whatever they needed to heal the damage done."
"Wait a minute," Dr. Weir raises a hand. "How'd she bring the virus into herself? You said it wasn't contagious."
"And it isn't. But it is drawn to the strongest electrical source. When Ashri connected to Teyla and Lt. Ford, she became part of them momentarily. It's hard to explain. Somehow on a molecular level, she joined with them."
"Joined? Any lasting part of her left over?" Dr. Weir seems a bit concerned.
"No. They're both back to normal."
Major Sheppard looks worried as well, but Carson can tell it's for a different reason. "Is she still sick?"
"No. I believe she simply pushed herself too hard by healing both of them in such a short period of time." He locks eyes with Sheppard. "It's her heart you know."
"What?"
"It's just too damn big, son."
The Major nods in understanding. Dr. Weir looks skeptical, however. "So, she drew the virus into herself and starved it out?"
"Aye."
"So her hand…does work like a Wraiths," Dr. Weir says finally.
"Not this again," the Major groans.
"John!"
"Dr. Weir," Carson says. "I don't think we have to worry about that. As I said, Ashri's healing and mental abilities are more than likely inherited from the Ancients. Consider her mutation to be nothing more than an effective delivery system. I don't believe the lass could hurt anyone even if she tried. She just doesn't have it in her."
Dr. Weir's eyes narrow as she looks at the two men. "Very well. For now. Thank you, Carson. Major…a word please." With that, she heads into the corridor.
Major Sheppard raises a brow at Carson, takes a deep breath and sighs. "Thanks doc."
"Good luck, Major."
The doors swish apart as Teyla and Lt. Ford lead a closed-eyed Ashri onto the balcony overlooking the city and ocean. It is a beautiful day, the likes Teyla has not seen in a while. A cool breeze floats in from the sea and the sky is mixed with all the hues of red and blue. Teyla takes a deep breath. She has not felt so invigorated in quite some time. She glances at Lt. Ford. He seems to share her energy; though that is something he is rarely missing.
They agree it must come from the woman who saved them. They have no memories of their time in the infirmary, however both share the same image, prior to awakening…a very pale and weak Ashri being surrounded and consumed by a dark shadow. It is as disturbing as it is startling, and though they have spoken of the memory, neither wants to bring it to the Major's attention.
Teyla worries, for the Major's bond with this woman is incredibly strong. She has seen such things in other couples, though it is rare among her people. Her father looked upon her mother in a similar fashion and in her mother's passing; her father was never the same. Though from the short time Teyla has spent in the Major's and Ashri's company, she can sense something different…more profound. She would gladly share that bond with someone. It must be wondrous. Perhaps someday, she will have that gifted upon her.
But it is Ashri they are both watching for a reaction. "Open your eyes," Teyla says. Ashri does so and gasps in what Teyla can only believe is amazement.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Lt. Ford asks, taking a deep breath of the salty air.
"It is breath taking," Teyla agrees. She watches as Ashri moves closer to the railing and looks over the city. Ashri smells the air, takes a deep breath then turns to them with a huge smile.
"I think she likes it," the lieutenant grins, bouncing his legs like a child.
Teyla agrees. Seeing Ashri's lovely smiles brings her great joy. She is relishing the new found friendship she has with the last of the Luminaté. Having met this woman—though she grew up separated from her people—Teyla feels she must carry within her the generous nature of the once great civilization. It is astounding how close Teyla feels to the woman she has barely spoken to. She would swear they have been friends since birth, though she knows this is not true. Lt. Ford even seems a bit enamored of Ashri. Clearly, however, her heart belongs to Major Sheppard.
The only person not affected by this woman seems to be Dr. Weir. This causes Teyla some concern. She has always found Dr. Weir to be honest, forthright and a good judge of character. Perhaps she is seeing something they are not? Teyla hopes that is not the case. She has always believed in her ability to read people, as Lt. Ford calls it. And when she looks at Ashri, she sees nothing but a pure heart…a good spirit. Perhaps there is another reason Dr. Weir is restrained. A more personal reason Teyla does not understand.
Elizabeth keeps her pace slow. She knows he wants to rush away, back to Ashri's side and though most of her doesn't find a problem with that, part of her brain says: stop! He's not acting like himself. "Tell me more about her mental abilities."
"As in?"
"The sharing you mentioned. How does it work? What does it feel like?"
A smile spreads across his face, one that Elizabeth doesn't recognize. He's trying to decide what to tell her and what to keep to himself. Definitely not acting like the Major Sheppard she knows. No, he's acting like a man in-love. Elizabeth accepts that, though it pains her to admit she's not thrilled about it. She's been spending all her waking hours trying to justify the nagging bit of hostility she feels toward Ashri. A woman she's only known a few days, has never spent any amount of time with, not even spoken to, and yet she still finds…threatening.
"It's…pleasant," he says finally. "But what you really want to know is, does she control my mind."
"If you feel you need to mention it." John rolls his eyes. Elizabeth says, "You were alone with her for quite a while. And that whole thing with the brain scan…"
"Is nobody's business. That's just Beckett being Beckett. He's like McKay, can't keep a discovery to himself."
"John, you must admit it is a little…odd."
He stops in the middle of the corridor and turns to her. "It's not odd, Elizabeth. They're my feelings. I don't have control over them any more than Ashri does." He shoves his hands into his pockets and rocks on his feet. After a moment, he sighs. "It's not about control. It's more like having really vivid dreams. The kind when you know you're dreaming."
"When your conscious and subconscious meet." I love those dreams. But this isn't about that. It's about John and this possibly dangerous woman who has him wrapped around her finger. Elizabeth would never think of Major Sheppard as 'whipped' but…
She knows she's being irrational, but she can't put a finger on as to why. Yes, John is her best friend, and, yes, she does love him, she freely admits that to herself. And it's not like she's blind, the man is extremely attractive. But she knows what it feels like to be in-love…she has that with Simon, not John. What she has with John is companionship, respect, esteem and trust.
And that's it. You trusted him…and he let you down. Elizabeth shakes her head. No he didn't. He's right here. He came home.
"C'mon, what you're really wondering is if she can read my mind…learn our secrets."
"Can she?"
"It's more about projection. Where she's feeling or thinking something and lets me hear or see it."
"Then how did she know to come to the infirmary?"
"She felt my concern for Teyla and Ford. It goes both ways."
"Do you think it stems from her saving your life?" He died. He left you. The thoughts as sharp as a slap in the face. It's not Ashri. It's John. The fact is…he did die. The only reason he's walking right beside her now is because of a powerful intervention, a divine gift. A stupid lightning bolt took him out and why? Because he got distracted by a pretty face. How typical is that. He's such a….a….man!
"I don't know how it works, Elizabeth. We did this combined sharing thing…I showed her about football and Ferris wheels…hotdogs, and it sort of snowballed from there." He starts walking again, shrugging his shoulders. "We learned a lot about each other. Everything maybe. It was…intense. And like you said…we were alone for a long time. I tell you it seemed even longer than 57 days. Things happen when you're isolated like that. Feeling come out…" That smile returned as he seemed to lose himself in thoughts of Ashri again.
And there it is. The realization's like that first jolt of caffeine in the morning. John is a man. Not some superhero sent to be her savior, or as McKay so annoyingly put it, her 'beck-n-call boy'. Elizabeth mentally smacks herself for being such an ass. No, she's not in-love with John Sheppard. But she doesn't want him to be distracted from her either.
Damn, Liz, how big is that selfish streak of yours. He's happy. Don't you want that for him? She sighs once the full force of her acceptance kicks in. Like a balloon being untied, the air seeps out of her hostility…John's happy. Just look at that goofy grin. He's never looked so adorable. And it's because of Ashri.
Yes. John's happy and it's a wonderful thing. Suddenly, she feels like giggling. Johnny's in-love…it's so sweet! His smile is contagious and Elizabeth feels one growing on her face.
"Just sit with her, Elizabeth. Get to know her. I know once-" He stops dead in his tracks, his breath catching with a sharp intake. A moment later, he's flying down the corridor away from her.
"Major?"
John rushes through the doors and stops short seeing Ashri unconscious on the ground and Teyla reaching for her. A now familiar jolt of blue electricity tags Teyla in the shoulder, sending her back about two feet onto her butt. Teyla rubs the spot, there's a burn mark on her shirt. John's instantly at Ashri's side, but she's not moving. "What happened?" he asks Ford.
"She touched the railing and somehow got shocked. Like mini-lightning. Then she dropped. It all happened so fast. Less than a minute ago."
John's already lifting her as Elizabeth comes outside with McKay following a moment later. "What's going on?" Elizabeth asks.
"We just got a huge power serge-" McKay stops, his mouth open. John pushes between the two and the doors part for him instantly. He can hear them talking behind him but rushes away.
"Sir," Ford says. "How did you know?" At the same time Teyla asks, "Is this what happened to us?"